Photo Submitted by NILD
(PHOENIX, Ariz., May 26, 2004) – Two Phoenix College employees were selected to participate in the National Institute for Leadership Development, LEADERS program, an international program for administrators, faculty and staff in higher education.

Arlene Martinsen, Learning Technologies and Development office coordinator and Rita Perry, Dental Program faculty member are participating in this year’s program. These two Phoenix College employees joined other 2004 Leaders’ participants at a kickoff conference at the James Hotel in Scottsdale, Arizona. During this five-day conference they attended workshops and seminars that focused on the following topics.

• Administrative leadership
• Budget resource development
• Leadership models
• Power and influence
• Issues in higher education
• Academic leadership steps for career development
• Refining your passion plan
• Focusing your mind by moving your body
• Let Your Light Shine: Remembering Your Joys & Loving Your Dreams
• Participant Project Discussion
• Guidelines for Working with Mentors

The year-long program, designed to enhance the skills participants need to assume major decision making roles in their institutions, includes international practice in supervisory and human relations skills, planning and budgeting and organizational transformation. The program will allow for discussions with national experts on issues confronting higher education during the next decade.

Additionally, both Martinsen and Perry have selected a mentor to guide them through this year-long program. Their mentors will assist them with their NILD projects that will aid the institution and foster individual professional growth. Their mentors include Emily Weinacker, District Office Employee and Organizational Learning coordinator and Karen Christen, Phoenix College Dental Programs 49 percent retired faculty and NCA Criterion 4 chairwoman.

Arlene Martinsen, Office Coordinator of Learning Technologies and Development

Martinsen has been with the Maricopa Community Colleges since 1977 working in various capacities ranging from adjunct faculty to office support. While at Phoenix College, she has served in many roles. She has contributed to the college through her endless work with staff development, new employee orientation, faculty orientation, PC Cubed, Day of Learning and Adjunct Faculty professional growth. Martinsen also serves as a Phoenix College Professional Staff Association (PSA) campus representative.
Martinsen found the conference to be extremely beneficial. She discovered that leaders could be found at all levels.

“I truly enjoyed the session with the five college presidents,” she said. “This was an eye-opening experience for me as each president revealed their individual story. After listening to the entire panel of presidents, it occurred to me that each president had a mentor who provided her the encouragement to lead.”

Rita Perry, Dental Programs faculty

Like Martinsen, Perry also has been actively involved at Phoenix College and in her community. She has been with PC for more than six years serving as both adjunct and full-time faculty. Additionally, Perry is the club advisor for Dental Assisting Students’ Association (DASA). Just this year, she also participated in PC Cubed, a leadership building program for Phoenix College employees. Perry also has a long standing history with dental public health program development and management and has volunteered as a clinician in the St. Vincent de Paul Dental Clinic.

Perry eagerly reflects on her experience and defines the true leader.

“Being a true leader is not about the title you hold, it is what you pass on to others,” she said. “You can be a leader in the classroom, in the department or in your community. This conference was wonderful because it allowed for us to network with other women who were aspiring to be more - whether they wanted to improve themselves personally or move up their career ladder.”
“After this conference, I would encourage others to take some time and revisit and refine their own personal vision statement,” added Perry. “Make sure you are doing something for which you are passionate.”

LEADERS’ participants are chosen for their professional abilities, their interests in advancement in higher education, and the quality of their proposed projects. The National Institute for Leadership Development is internationally recognized by colleges, universities and businesses for its visionary, holistic programs that produce leaders who effectively challenge assumptions, eliminate barriers and create new pathways to successful solutions.

For more information on the program, please contact the National Institute for Leadership Development at (602) 285-7727.

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